Circuit for detecting a leak in a water heater device and activating an alarm device

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is related to devices, systems, and techniques for outputting an alarm signal in response to detecting a leak in a water heater device. For example, a water heater device includes a leak sensor, an intermittent pilot light, and a circuit. The circuit includes processing circuitry configured to receive, from the leak sensor, an electrical signal including information indicative of a leak in the water heater device, activate, based on the electrical signal including information indicative of the leak, an alarm device, where the alarm device is powered for at least a period of time by a power source, where the power source is configured to receive energy from a thermoelectric device, and maintain an amount of energy stored by the power source so that the amount of energy is sufficient for the power source to supply energy to the alarm device.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/886,796, filed on Aug. 14, 2019, the entire contentof which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to water heating systems.

BACKGROUND

Tank-type water heating systems which incorporate gas combustion as aheat source typically utilize a pilot flame issuing from a pilot burnerto initiate combustion of a main gas flow. Some systems havetraditionally utilized a continuous pilot which remains lit during alloperations, regardless of whether main burner operation is occurring.

SUMMARY

In general, the disclosure is directed to devices, systems, andtechniques for using a water heater control system for activating analarm in response to receiving information indicative of a leak in awater heater device. More specifically, the water heater control systemmay include an alarm device, one or more power sources, a leak sensor, athermoelectric device, and an intermittent pilot light. Thethermoelectric device may be in proximity to the intermittent pilotlight such that the thermoelectric device is configured to convert heatenergy from the intermittent pilot light into electrical energy. Inturn, the thermoelectric device may supply the electrical energy to apower source of the one or more power sources in order to charge thepower source. In response to the leak sensor detecting a leak in thewater heater device, the alarm device may activate and draw energy fromthe power source.

In some examples, the water heater control system may ignite theintermittent pilot light if an amount of energy stored by the powersource falls below a threshold amount of energy, thus allowing thethermoelectric device to generate electrical energy using theintermittent pilot light to charge the power source so that the alarmdevice may operate continuously as long as the leak sensor detects aleak. In some examples, the water heater control system may ignite theintermittent pilot light when the water heater control system senses theleak, and maintains the intermittent pilot light in a continuouslyignited state as long as the intermittent pilot light senses the leak inorder to ensure that the alarm device is supplied with enough energy tooperate for as long as the leak sensor detects the leak. In someexamples, the thermoelectric device supplies energy to the alarm devicewhile the intermittent pilot light is ignited so that alarm device mayoperate continuously.

In some examples, a water heater device includes a leak sensor, anintermittent pilot light, and a circuit configured to sense one or moreleaks in the water heater device. The circuit includes processingcircuitry configured to receive, from the leak sensor, an electricalsignal including information indicative of a leak in the water heaterdevice. Additionally, the processing circuitry is configured toactivate, based on the electrical signal including informationindicative of the leak, an alarm device, where the alarm device ispowered for at least a period of time by a power source having a limitedamount of stored energy, where the power source is configured to receiveenergy from a thermoelectric device in proximity to the intermittentpilot light and maintain an amount of energy stored by the power sourceso that the amount of energy is sufficient for the power source tosupply energy to the alarm device.

In some examples, a method indicates one or more leaks in a water heaterdevice including a leak sensor, an intermittent pilot light, and acircuit, where the method includes receiving, with the circuit and fromthe leak sensor, an electrical signal including information indicativeof a leak in the water heater device and activating, with the circuitand based on the electrical signal including information indicative ofthe leak, an alarm device, where the alarm device is powered for atleast a period of time by a power source having a limited amount ofstored energy, where the power source is configured to receive energyfrom a thermoelectric device in proximity to the intermittent pilotlight. Additionally, the method includes maintaining an amount of energystored by the power source so that the amount of energy is sufficientfor the power source to supply energy to the alarm device.

In some examples, a water heater device includes a leak sensor, anintermittent pilot light, and a circuit configured to sense one or moreleaks in the water heater device. The circuit includes an alarm device,a power source, a thermoelectric device in proximity to the intermittentpilot light, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry isconfigured to receive, from the leak sensor, an electrical signalincluding information indicative of a leak in the water heater deviceand activate, based on the electrical signal including informationindicative of the leak, the alarm device, where the alarm device ispowered for at least a period of time by the power source having alimited amount of stored energy, where the power source is configured toreceive energy from the thermoelectric device. Additionally, theprocessing circuitry is configured to maintain an amount of energystored by the power source so that the amount of energy is sufficientfor the power source to supply energy to the alarm device.

In some examples, a water heater device includes a leak sensor, astanding pilot light, and a circuit configured to sense one or moreleaks in the water heater device. The circuit includes an alarm device,a thermoelectric device in proximity to the intermittent pilot light,and processing circuitry configured to receive, from the leak sensor, anelectrical signal including information indicative of a leak in thewater heater device and activate, based on the electrical signalincluding information indicative of the leak, the alarm device, wherethe alarm device is powered for at least a period of time by thethermoelectric device.

The summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matterdescribed in this disclosure. It is not intended to provide an exclusiveor exhaustive explanation of the systems, device, and methods describedin detail within the accompanying drawings and description below.Further details of one or more examples of this disclosure are set forthin the accompanying drawings and in the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the descriptionand drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water heater control system, inaccordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides an example water heating system including anintermittent pilot tight and a main burner, in accordance with one ormore techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a water heater control system,in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation foractivating an alarm, in accordance with one or more techniques of thisdisclosure. Like reference characters denote like elements throughoutthe description and figures.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation for charginga power source using an intermittent pilot light, in accordance with oneor more techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation for chargingone or more power sources of an energy storage system using anintermittent pilot light, in accordance with one or more techniques ofthis disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for using awater heater control system to sense a leak in a water heater device andactivate an alarm device in response to sensing the leak. In someexamples, the water heater control system allows the alarm device toremain in a continuously activated state (e.g., emitting a noise oroutputting another alarm signal) for as long as necessary by supplyingthe alarm device with power from a power source that is charged usingenergy from a thermoelectric device in proximity to an intermittentpilot light. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy from thethermoelectric device may directly supply power to the alarm device. Inthis way, the water heater control system may output an alarm signaluntil the water heater control system receives information indicatingthat the alarm is resolved (e.g., a message to ignore the leak or amessage that the leak is addressed).

The leak sensor may output an electrical signal in response to sensing aleak in the water heater device. Processing circuitry of the waterheater control system may receive the electrical signal identifying theleak in the water heater device and activate the alarm device, causingthe alarm device to emit an alarm signal which may travel a distancefrom the water heater device. In some cases, the alarm device includes aspeaker and the alarm signal includes an audio signal emitted by thespeaker. Additionally, or alternatively, the alarm signal includesoptical signals (e.g., an alarm light), electromagnetic signals (e.g., aradio signal), mechanical signals, or any combination thereof. The alarmdevice may draw an electrical current from a power source which stores alimited amount of energy. As such, if the alarm device is activated fora period of time, the alarm device may deplete the energy stored by thepower source unless the power source is recharged. One or moretechniques described herein may allow the water heater control system torecharge the power source in order to supply energy to the alarm deviceas needed. Additionally, one or more techniques described herein mayallow the thermoelectric device to directly supply energy to the alarmdevice as needed.

In some examples, the processing circuitry may monitor an amount ofenergy stored by the power source. If the amount of energy stored by thepower source falls below a threshold amount of energy, the processingcircuitry may ignite the intermittent pilot light if the intermittentpilot light is not ignited. In turn, the thermoelectric device maygenerate electrical energy from heat radiated by the intermittent pilotlight and output the electrical energy to the power source. Theelectrical energy generated by the thermoelectric device may charge thepower source. In some examples, the processing circuitry may maintainthe intermittent pilot light in a continuously ignited state at leastuntil the amount of energy stored by the power source rises above thethreshold amount of energy. In some examples, the processing circuitrymay maintain the intermittent pilot light in a continuously ignitedstate at least until the amount of energy stored by the power sourcesubstantially reaches a maximum amount of energy that the power sourceis configured to store or a fraction of the maximum amount of energythat the power source is configured to store. As such, by monitoring theamount of energy stored by the power source and controlling theintermittent pilot light to provide energy for charging the powersource, the processing circuitry may ensure that the amount of energystored by the power source is maintained at a sufficient level tooperate the alarm device for an extended period of time. In someexamples, the processing circuitry may maintain the intermittent pilotlight indefinitely.

In the above example, the processing circuitry ignites the intermittentpilot to cause the thermoelectric device to output energy to a powersource. However, in some examples, the thermoelectric device maydirectly power the alarm device.

In some examples, the processing circuitry may ignite the intermittentpilot light in response to receiving the electrical signal indicatingthat the leak sensor detects a leak in the water heater device. Thethermoelectric device may generate electrical energy using heat emittedby the intermittent pilot light and supply the electrical energy to thepower source in order to charge the power source or directly to thealarm device. In some cases, the processing circuitry may maintain theintermittent pilot light in an ignited state for as long as theprocessing circuitry receives the electrical signal indicating that theleak sensor detects a leak. In some cases, the processing circuitry maymaintain the intermittent pilot light in an ignited state at least untilthe amount of energy stored by the power source substantially reaches amaximum amount of energy that the power source is configured to store.

The water heater control system may include communication circuitry thatis configured to communicate with one or more other devices (e.g.,remote devices including smart phones, tablets, servers, or anycombination thereof). For example, the processing circuitry may output,via the communication circuitry, information indicating that a leak isdetected in the water heater device. In this way, the processingcircuitry may allow the water heater control system to spread news ofthe detected leak past a range of the alarm device (e.g., past a soundradius and/or a sight radius of the alarm device). Additionally, thecommunication circuitry may receive information from the one or moreother devices including an instruction to ignore the detected leak, amessage that the leak has been repaired, a request for data stored bythe water heater control system, or other information. In this way, thecommunication circuitry may allow remote access and control of the waterheater control system in real time, which may be beneficial for timelymanagement and repair of detected leaks.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water heater control system100, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. Asseen in FIG. 1, water heater control system 100 includes circuit 120,leak sensor 130, thermoelectric device 140, pilot spark ignitor 150, andintermittent pilot light 160. Circuit 120 includes processing circuitry122, memory 124, power source 125, alarm device 126, power source(s)128, and communication circuitry 129. Water heater tanks may besusceptible to failures (e.g., leaks, ruptures, and breaches). In somecases, it may be beneficial to detect such failures so that the failuresmay be repaired or otherwise addressed in a timely manner. Circuit 120may be configured to sense a leak in a water heater device (notillustrated in FIG. 1) and output one or more alarm signals in responseto sensing the leak.

Processing circuitry 122, in some examples, may include one or moreprocessors that are configured to implement functionality and/or processinstructions for execution within water heater control system 100. Forexample, processing circuitry 122 may be capable of processinginstructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 124). Processing circuitry122 may include, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors(DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or equivalent discrete orintegrated logic circuitry, or a combination of any of the foregoingdevices or circuitry. Accordingly, processing circuitry 122 may includeany suitable structure, whether in hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof, to perform the functions ascribed herein toprocessing circuitry 122.

Memory 124 may be configured to store information within water heatercontrol system 100 during operation. Memory 124 may include acomputer-readable storage medium or computer-readable storage device. Insome examples, memory 124 includes one or more of a short-term memory ora long-term memory. Memory 124 may include, for example, random accessmemories (RAM), dynamic random-access memories (DRAM), static randomaccess memories (SRAM), magnetic discs, optical discs, flash memories,or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electricallyerasable and programmable memories (EEPROM). In some examples, memory124 is used to store program instructions for execution by processingcircuitry 122. Memory 124 may be used by software or applicationsrunning on water heater control system 100 to temporarily storeinformation during program execution.

Power source 125 is configured to deliver operating power to one or morecomponents of water heater control system 100. In some examples, powersource 125 may deliver operating power to processing circuitry 122. Insome examples, power source 125 includes a battery and a powergeneration circuit to produce operating power. Power source 125 mayinclude any one or more of a plurality of different battery types, suchas nickel cadmium batteries and lithium ion batteries. Additionally, oralternatively, power source 125 may include one or more capacitorsconfigured to store energy.

In some examples, alarm device 126 is controlled by processing circuitry122 to output one or more alarm signals. In some examples, alarm device126 includes one or more speakers configured to emit audio signals(e.g., noise). For example, alarm device 126 may include mid-rangedrivers, full range drivers, subwoofers, woofers, tweeters, coaxialdrivers, horn loudspeakers, or any combination thereof. In someexamples, alarm device 126 may emit a continuous noise. In someexamples, alarm device 126 may emit audio signals in a pattern orrepeating envelope. In some examples, the audio signals emitted by alarmdevice 126 may be within a range from 80 decibels (dB) to 120 dB.Additionally, or alternatively, alarm device 126 may include one or moreoptical components (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescentlights, and incandescent lights) and electromagnetic units (e.g.,radios).

Power source(s) 128 is configured to deliver operating power to one ormore components of water heater control system 100. For example, powersource(s) 128 may deliver operating power to alarm device 126, ignitioncircuitry (not illustrated in FIG. 1) which controls pilot spark ignitor150, a pilot valve operator (not illustrated in FIG. 1) which actuates agas valve of intermittent pilot light 160, or any combination thereof.In some examples, power source(s) 128 includes a battery and a powergeneration circuit to produce operating power. In some examples, thebattery is rechargeable to allow extended operation. Power source(s) 128may include any one or more of a plurality of different battery types,such as nickel cadmium batteries and lithium ion batteries.Additionally, or alternatively, power source(s) 128 may include one ormore capacitors configured to store energy. In some examples, processingcircuitry 122 may activate a switching device (not illustrated inFIG. 1) which allows power source 125 to supply energy to powersource(s) 128, charging power source(s) 128. Additionally, processingcircuitry 122 may deactivate the switching device, preventing powersource 125 from supplying energy to power source(s) 128.

Communication circuitry 129 may include any suitable hardware, firmware,software or any combination thereof for communicating with anotherdevice. Under the control of processing circuitry 122, communicationcircuitry 129 may receive downlink telemetry from, as well as senduplink telemetry to, one or more other devices. In addition, processingcircuitry 122 may communicate with a networked computing device and acomputer network. Communication circuitry 129 may include anycombination of a Bluetooth® radio, Wi-Fi® circuitry, an electronicoscillator, frequency modulation circuitry, frequency demodulationcircuitry, amplifier circuitry, and power switches such as ametal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET), a bipolarjunction transistor (BJT), an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT),a junction field effect transistor (JFET), or another element that usesvoltage or current for its control.

In some examples, processing circuitry 122 receives, from leak sensor130, an electrical signal including information indicative of a leak ina water heater device (not illustrated in FIG. 1). Leak sensor 130 may,in some cases, include two or more conductive elements that areconfigured to generate an electrical signal in response to sensing aleak in the water heater device. For example, if moisture accumulates onthe conductive elements of leak sensor 130, a magnitude of a parameter(e.g., current magnitude or voltage magnitude) of the electrical signalproduced by leak sensor 130 may change (e.g., increase or decrease) froma first parameter value to a second parameter value. Processingcircuitry 122 may be configured to detect such a change in theelectrical signal generated by leak sensor 130 and determine, based onthe change in the electrical signal (e.g., a change in electricalcurrent), that a leak is occurring in the water heater device. In someexamples, processing circuitry 122 may determine that a leak is presentin the water heater device for as long as the parameter of theelectrical signal generated by leak sensor 130 deviates from the firstparameter value by at least a threshold parameter value.

Processing circuitry 122 may activate alarm device 126 in response toreceiving the electrical signal from leak sensor 130 includinginformation indicative of the leak. In some examples, processingcircuitry 122 may maintain alarm device 126 in a continuously activatedstate during a period of time in which processing circuitry 122 receivesthe electrical signal including information indicative of a leak in thewater heater device. In some examples, processing circuitry 122 mayintermittently activate alarm device 126 on a continuous basis during aperiod of time in which processing circuitry 122 receives the electricalsignal including information indicative of a leak in the water heaterdevice. For example, processing circuitry 122 may activate alarm device126 according to a sequence of on/off cycles, where alarm device 126alternates between an ‘on’ phase and an ‘off’ phase. Alarm device 126may be powered by power source(s) 128 which stores a limited amount ofstored energy. In this way, alarm device 126 may deplete the energystored by power source(s) 128 if alarm device 126 continuously drawsenergy from power source(s) 128 without power source(s) 128 beingcharged. Power source(s) 128 is configured to receive energy fromthermoelectric device 140. For example, thermoelectric device 140 may bein proximity to intermittent pilot light 160. Thermoelectric device 140may generate electrical energy using heat energy emitted by intermittentpilot light 160 while intermittent pilot light 160 is in an ignitedstate. As such, it may be beneficial for processing circuitry 122 toignite intermittent pilot light 160 in order to replenish energy used byalarm device 126 while alarm device 126 is activated. For example,processing circuitry 122 may maintain an amount of energy stored bypower source(s) 128 using energy generated by thermopile 140 so that theamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 is sufficient for powersource(s) 128 to supply energy to alarm device 126.

In some examples, processing circuitry 122 may intermittently activatealarm device 126 according to a duty cycle and a frequency bycontrolling a switching device which controls power flowing throughalarm device 126. As used herein, the term “duty cycle” refers to aratio of an amount of time that alarm device 126 is turned on (e.g.,emitting noise) to an amount of time that alarm device 126 is turned off(e.g., not emitting noise) and the term “frequency” refers to a numberof on/off cycles completed per unit of time. As an example, whenprocessing circuitry 122 controls alarm device 126 to cycle betweenbeing turned on and being turned off at a frequency of 5 (Hz) and at aduty cycle of 0.5, the alarm device 126 may perform 5 on/off cycles persecond, where an on phase of the alarm device 126 lasts as long as anoff phase of alarm device 126.

In some examples, processing circuitry 122 may set the duty cycle and/orthe frequency of the alarm device 126 so that the alarm device 126 doesnot draw power at a greater rate than a rate in which thermoelectricdevice 140 supplies power to circuit 120. For example, by decreasing aduty cycle and/or decreasing a frequency of alarm device 126, processingcircuitry 122 may decrease a rate in which alarm device 126 draws power.Alternatively, by increasing a duty cycle and/or increasing a frequencyof alarm device 126, processing circuitry 122 may increase a rate inwhich alarm device 126 draws power. In any case, processing circuitry122 may prevent alarm device 126 from drawing power faster thanthermoelectric device 140 supplies power to circuit 120.

Thermoelectric device 140 is an electrical circuit component that isconfigured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy (e.g., athermopile). In some examples, thermoelectric device 140 generates anoutput voltage that is proportional to a local temperature difference ortemperature gradient.

In some examples, to maintain the amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128, processing circuitry 122 is configured to monitor anamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 to determine if theamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 is greater than athreshold amount of energy and supply power to power source(s) 128 inresponse to power source(s) 128 falling below the threshold amount ofenergy. For example, processing circuitry 122 may measure a powercapacity of power source(s) 128, where the power capacity represents ameasure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption per hour.In some examples, based on the amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128 falling below the threshold amount of energy, processingcircuitry 122 may ignite intermittent pilot light 160. In some examples,to ignite intermittent pilot light 160, processing circuitry 122 mayoutput an electrical signal to ignition circuitry (not illustrated inFIG. 1) in order to cause pilot spark ignitor 150 to emit one or moresparks which ignite intermittent pilot light 160. Subsequently,processing circuitry 122 may allow thermoelectric device 140 to receiveenergy from power source(s) 128, thus increasing the amount of energystored by power source(s) 128. For example, processing circuitry 122 mayactivate a switching device (not illustrated in FIG. 1) which allows acurrent to flow from thermoelectric device 140 through power source(s)128.

Processing circuitry 122, in some cases, may maintain intermittent pilotlight 160 in a continuously ignited state at least until the amount ofenergy stored by power source(s) 128 rises above the threshold amount ofenergy. In some examples, processing circuitry 122 may maintainintermittent pilot light 160 in the continuously ignited state until theamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 rises above the thresholdamount of energy. In some examples, processing circuitry 122 maymaintain intermittent pilot light 160 in the continuously ignited stateuntil the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 rises above thethreshold amount of energy by a predetermined amount of energy. In someexamples, processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light160 in the continuously ignited state until power source(s) 128substantially reaches a maximum power capacity. In one or more examplesdescribed herein, processing circuitry 122 may cause intermittent pilotlight 160 to extinguish or allow intermittent pilot light 160 toextinguish after the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128reaches a satisfactory level.

In some examples, thermoelectric device 140 may directly supply power toalarm device 126 without power source(s) 128 supplying power to alarmdevice 126. In some cases, thermoelectric device 140 may supply power toalarm device 126 for a period of time while thermoelectric device 140 issupplying energy to charge power source(s) 128. For example, processingcircuitry 122 may activate a switching device (not illustrated inFIG. 1) in order to allow a current to pass through alarm device 126from thermoelectric device 140 and processing circuitry 122 may activateanother switching device (not illustrated in FIG. 1) in order to allow acurrent to pass through power source(s) 128 in order to charge powersource(s) 128. In some cases, processing circuitry 122 may supply powerto alarm device 126 for a period of time while thermoelectric device isnot supplying energy to charge power source(s) 128. For example, whilepower source(s) 128 is substantially charged to a maximum amount ofpower and intermittent pilot light 160 is in an ignited state,thermoelectric device 140 may directly supply power to alarm device 126while power source(s) 128 is not supplying power to alarm device 126. Insome cases, thermoelectric device 140 and power source(s) 128 may bothsupply power alarm device 126 for a period of time.

In some cases, processing circuitry 122 may ignite intermittent pilotlight 160 in response to receiving the electrical signal includinginformation indicative of a leak in the water heater device. In thisway, processing circuitry 122 may ignite the intermittent pilot light160 to ensure that thermoelectric device 140 will supply enough energyto power source(s) 128 such that circuit 120 may maintain alarm device126 in a continuously activated state. Processing circuitry 122 mayallow thermoelectric device 140 to supply energy to power source(s) 128,thus increasing the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128. Forexample, processing circuitry 122 may activate a switching device (notillustrated in FIG. 1) which causes a current to flow fromthermoelectric device 140 through power source(s) 128, recharging powersource(s) 128. In some cases, while thermoelectric device 140 suppliesenergy to power source(s) 128 and processing circuitry 122 receives theelectrical signal including information indicative of a leak in thewater heater device, thermopile 140 directly supplies energy to alarmdevice 126 in order to maintain alarm device 126 in a continuouslyactivated state.

Processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light 160 in acontinuously ignited state during a period of time in which processingcircuitry 122 receives the electrical signal including informationindicative of a leak in the water heater device. In some cases,processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light 160 in acontinuously ignited state for as long as leak sensor 130 providesindication that the leak is present in the water heater device. In somecases, processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light160 in the continuously ignited state until the amount of energy storedby power source(s) 128 reaches a predetermined amount of energy. In somecases, processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light160 in the continuously ignited state until power source(s) 128substantially reaches a maximum power capacity. In one or more examplesdescribed herein, processing circuitry 122 may cause intermittent pilotlight 160 to extinguish or allow intermittent pilot light 160 toextinguish after the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128reaches a satisfactory level.

In some examples, processing circuitry 122 is configured to output amessage in response to receiving information from leak sensor 130 that aleak is present in the water heater device. For example, processingcircuitry 122 is configured to output, via communication circuitry 129,the message including the information indicative of the leak in thewater heater device to one or more remote devices. In some examples,processing circuitry 122 includes a Bluetooth® radio and communicationcircuitry 129 is configured to communicate according to one or moreBluetooth® communication protocols. In some examples, processingcircuitry 122 includes Wi-Fi® circuitry and communication circuitry 129is configured to communicate according to one or more Wi-Fi®communication protocols. In some examples, communication circuitry 129is configured to communicate according to one or more othercommunication protocols.

Processing circuitry 122 may receive, via communication circuitry 129, amessage including an instruction to ignore the information indicative ofa leak in the water heater device (e.g., a message that the leak hasbeen repaired, a message to ignore the leak in response to the leakdetection being a false alarm, or a message to ignore the leak for otherreasons). Subsequently, in some cases, processing circuitry 122 maydeactivate alarm device 126 in response to receiving the messageincluding the instruction to ignore the information indicative of a leakin the water heater device. Processing circuitry 122 may maintain thealarm device in a continuously deactivated state for at least apredetermined amount of time. In other words, if processing circuitry122 receives an indication of a leak from leak sensor 130 during thepredetermined amount of time that alarm device 126 is in thecontinuously deactivated state, processing circuitry 122 may decline toactivate alarm device 126.

In some examples, processing circuitry 122 is configured to control amain burner to maintain a temperature of water in a water tank at apredetermined temperature value. The water tank may be a part of thewater heater device. For example, processing circuitry 122 may beconfigured to ignite, based on a water temperature model stored bymemory 124, intermittent pilot light 160 in order to toggle the mainburner between an activated state and a deactivated state. As such,processing circuitry 122 may, in some cases, both regulate thetemperature of the water in the water heater device and operate waterheater control system 100.

One or more techniques of this disclosure include a water heater controlsystem 100 for a water heater device including an intermittent pilotlight (e.g., intermittent pilot light 160). Intermittent pilot light 160may be ignited when needed. For example, intermittent pilot light 160may be ignited in order to ignite a main burner which heats water in atank of a water heater device. Additionally, or alternatively,intermittent pilot light 160 may be ignited in order to recharge powersource(s) 128 such that power source(s) 128 may maintain alarm device126 in a continuously activated state. For example, water heater controlsystem 100 allows for a continuous alarm for an intermittent pilot waterheater device. This disclosure is conducive to use with a “connected”water heater controller (e.g., processing circuitry 122). For example, aconnected water heater controller including processing circuitry 122 maybe connected to the external environment through Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, orsome other communication protocol. Processing circuitry 122 may notifyan end user that a leak has been detected in the water heater device.

Some leak sensors are battery powered and do not receive any energy froma water heater controller. Water heater control system 100, on the otherhand, may include a way to store energy on circuit 120 in a battery orsupercapacitor (e.g., power source(s) 128) in order to operate leaksensor 130 and alarm device 126. Energy from power source(s) 128 maycome from thermoelectric device 140. To activate alarm device 126continuously, or to activate alarm device 126 continuously in anintermittent mode without running out of power, excess thermoelectricdevice energy that is available when intermittent pilot light 160 isignited may be used to operate alarm device 126. In some examples, alarmdevice 126 may also operate while the main burner of the water heaterdevice is activated if sufficient energy is stored by power source(s)128. In some examples, processing circuitry 122 may ensure that the mainburner is not in an ignited state once a leak has been detected. Leaksensor 130 may draw energy from thermoelectric device 140 at a rate slowenough to prevent a thermoelectric device fault error from beingdetected by processing circuitry 122. Processing circuitry 122 maycontrol the energy draw rate to maintain operation of alarm device 126indefinitely.

Some water heater leak sensors may have a battery or supercapacitor tooperate and sound an alarm if a leak is detected, making the waterheater leak sensor a stand-alone device. In practice, a battery may beused instead of a supercapacitor because the battery is easily replaced.As the battery runs lower in available charge over time, the length oftime the alarm can sound becomes less and less and eventually reacheszero and the leak sensor stops functioning. In order to overcome thislimitation, water heater control system 100 may operate leak sensor 130and alarm device 126 directly off an intermittent pilot rechargeablepower supply (e.g., power source(s) 128). It may be desirable to includecircuit 120 on an intermittent pilot control board and have the leaksensor 130 be an external component. In some examples, in the event thata leak is detected, the processing circuitry 122 may ignite intermittentpilot light 160 and leave it running continuously as long as the leakcondition was detected or until a command was received to ignore theleak. Lighting intermittent pilot light 160 in this manner may generatepower to allow alarm device 126 to sound as long as necessary.

Processing circuitry 122 may include a power and signal connection forcircuit 120 if circuit 120 is made as an external system or may have thepower and signal connections internal if circuit 120 is integrated ontothe control board. This may allow processing circuitry 122 to benotified if a leak is detected. Then, if processing circuitry 122 isconnected to the external environment through Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, orsome other communication protocol, processing circuitry 122 may notifyan end user that a leak has been detected in the water heater device.Drawing power directly from the intermittent pilot's rechargeable powersupply (e.g., power source(s) 128) may improve a reliability, eliminatea need to replace batteries, simplify a design, reduce a cost, andincrease a functionality of water heater control system 100.

Although system 100 of FIG. 1 is described as including an intermittentpilot light 160, this is not required. In some examples, a system mayinclude a standing pilot light (e.g., a pilot light which iscontinuously ignited) which causes a thermoelectric device to supplypower to a circuit. The system may include a leak sensor which suppliesa leak sensor signal to the circuit, and processing circuitry of thecircuit may activate an alarm device responsive to identifying a leak ina water heater tank based on the leak sensor signal. Responsive toidentifying the leak, the processing circuitry may prevent a main burnerof the water heater from being ignited, and the processing circuitry maydirect power generated by the thermoelectric device to power the alarmdevice.

FIG. 2 provides an example water heating system 200 includingintermittent pilot light 260 and main burner 262, in accordance with oneor more techniques of this disclosure. As seen in FIG. 2, water heatingsystem 200 includes water tank 210, fuel line 212, main valve 214,temperature sensing device 216, control system 220, leak sensor 230,thermoelectric device 240, electrical line 242, pilot spark ignitor 250,electrical line 252, intermittent pilot light 260, main burner 262, flue264, fuel line 266, and fuel line 268. Leak sensor 230 may be an exampleof leak sensor 130 of FIG. 1. Thermoelectric device 240 may be anexample of thermoelectric device 140 of FIG. 1. Pilot spark ignitor 250may be an example of pilot spark ignitor 150 of FIG. 1. Intermittentpilot light 260 may be an example of intermittent pilot light 160 ofFIG. 1. Water heating system 200 may be configured to perform one ormore techniques described with respect to water heater control system100 of FIG. 1.

Fuel line 212 may be in fluid communication with main valve 214, whichcontrols fuel flow to a main burner 262. Flue 264 may be an exhaust formain burner 262 in system 200. A pilot valve (not illustrated in FIG. 2)may control fuel flow to an intermittent pilot light 260 through fuelline 266. The pilot valve may be substantially in parallel,substantially in series, or in some other arrangement with main valve214, and fuel to intermittent pilot light 260 may conic from fuel line212 or some other source. There may be a pilot spark ignitor 250 forigniting a pilot gas flow discharging from intermittent pilot light 260.

There may be a thermoelectric device 240 connected by an electrical line242 to control system 220. There may be a pilot spark ignitor 250 forigniting a pilot gas flow discharging from intermittent pilot light 260.Pilot spark ignitor 250 may be connected via electrical line 252 tocontrol system 220. Thermoelectric device 240 may be in thermalcommunication with pilot flame generated at intermittent pilot light 260and may convert some portion of a heat flux emitted by the pilot flameinto electrical energy. A temperature sensing device 216 may beconnected to control system 220 and situated in a water tank 210, orotherwise be configured to be in thermal communication with a volume ofwater in water tank 210. Control system 220 may incorporate amicrocontroller configured to establish electrical or data communicationwith one or more of main valve 214, the pilot valve, and othercomponents.

Control system 220 may include a pilot valve operator configured toactuate the pilot valve of system 200 and may include a main valveoperator configured to actuate main valve 214. Control system 220 mayalso establish an electrical connection between thermoelectric device240 and the main valve operator, such that the main valve operator canbe powered by thermoelectric device 240. Control system 220 may alsoinclude an energy storage system in electrical connection with the pilotvalve operator.

In an intermittent pilot light system, when fuel line 268 operation iscalled for, an operating sequence in system 200 might initially actuatethe pilot valve and establish a pilot flame at intermittent pilot light260 prior to commencing main valve 214 operations. For example, controlsystem 220 might initially actuate the pilot valve and pilot sparkignitor 250 using an energy storage system in order to establish thepilot flame at intermittent pilot light 260. Subsequently, once thepilot flame is established, the operating sequence might actuate mainvalve 214 using power delivered by thermoelectric device 240. In thismanner, main fuel flow to fuel line 268 may be established and the pilotflame may generate combustion of the main fuel flow. A sequence ensuringthat the pilot flame is established prior to initiating main fuel flowto the burner avoids situations leading to discharges of non-combustedmain fuel into surrounding environments.

System 200 may include one or more components of water heater controlsystem 100 of FIG. 1. For example, system 200 includes leak sensor 230,which may output a leak signal in response to detecting a leak in watertank 210. Leak sensor 230 may be located at a base of water tank 210.Since moisture may accumulate at the base of water tank 210 when a leakis present in water tank 210, leak sensor 230 may be located such thatleak sensor 230 may detect the moisture that is indicative of the leakin water tank 210. In response to receiving a leak signal from leaksensor 230, processing circuitry of control system 220 may be configuredto activate an alarm device (not illustrated in FIG. 2), which drawspower from a power source (not illustrated in FIG. 1) of control system220. The processing circuitry of control system 220 may be configured tomaintain the amount of energy stored by the power source so that theamount of energy is sufficient for the power source to supply energy tothe alarm device.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a water heater control system300, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, system 300 includes circuit 320, leak sensor 330,thermoelectric device 340, pilot spark ignitor 350, and intermittentpilot light 360. Circuit 320 includes processing circuitry 322, memory324, power source 325, alarm device 326, power source 328, communicationcircuitry 329, first power converter unit 370, second power converterunit 371, first switching device 372, second switching device 374, thirdswitching device 376, fourth switching device 378, fifth switchingdevice 379, pilot valve operator 382, main valve operator 384, ignitioncircuitry 386, and amplifier 388. Circuit 320 may be an example ofcircuit 120 of FIG. 1. Processing circuitry 322 may be an example ofprocessing circuitry 122 of FIG. 1. Memory 324 may be an example ofmemory 124 of FIG. 1. Alarm device 326 may be an example of alarm device126 of FIG. 1. Power source 328 may be an example of power source(s) 128of FIG. 1. Communication circuitry 329 may be an example ofcommunication circuitry 129 of FIG. 1. Thermoelectric device 340 may bean example of thermoelectric device 140 of FIG. 1. Intermittent pilotlight 360 may be an example of intermittent pilot light 160 of FIG. 1.Pilot spark ignitor 350 may be an example of pilot spark ignitor 150 ofFIG. 1. System 300 may be configured to perform one or more techniquesdescribed with respect to system 100 and system 200 of FIG. 1 and FIG.2, respectively. In some examples, a power system 323 includes powersource 325, power source 328, and fifth switching device 379.

First switching device 372, second switching device 374, third switchingdevice 376, fourth switching device 378, and fifth switching device 379(collectively, “switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379”) may allowprocessing circuitry 322 control a temperature of water inside of awater heater device (e.g., water tank 210 of FIG. 2) and activate alarmdevice 326 in response to receiving an electrical signal from leaksensor 330 indicative of a leak in the water heater device. Each ofswitching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 may, in some cases, includepower switches such as, but not limited to, any type of field-effecttransistor (FET) including any combination of metal-oxide-semiconductorfield-effect transistors (MOSFETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs),insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), junction field effecttransistors (JFETs), high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), orother elements that use voltage for control. Additionally, switchingdevices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 may include n-type transistors, p-typetransistors, and power transistors, or any combination thereof. In someexamples, switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 include verticaltransistors, lateral transistors, and/or horizontal transistors. In someexamples, switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 include other analogdevices such as diodes and/or thyristors. In some examples, switchingdevices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 may operate as switches and/or as analogdevices.

In some examples, each of switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379include three terminals: two load terminals and a control terminal. ForMOSFET switches, each of switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 mayinclude a drain terminal, a source terminal, and at least one gateterminal, where the control terminal is a gate terminal. For BJTswitches, the control terminal may be a base terminal. Current may flowbetween the two load terminals of each of switching devices 372, 374,376, 378, 379, based on the voltage at the respective control terminal.Therefore, electrical current may flow across switching devices 372,374, 376, 378, 379 based on control signals delivered to the respectivecontrol terminals of switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379. In oneexample, if a voltage applied to the control terminals of switchingdevices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 is greater than or equal to a voltagethreshold, switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 may be activated,allowing switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 to conductelectricity. Furthermore, switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 maybe deactivated when the voltage applied to the respective controlterminals of switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 is below thethreshold voltage, thus preventing switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378,379 from conducting electricity. Processing circuitry 322 may beconfigured to independently control switching devices 372, 374, 376,378, 379 such that one, combination, or none of switching devices 372,374, 376, 378, 379 may be activated at a point in time.

Switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 may include various materialcompounds, such as Silicon, Silicon Carbide, Gallium Nitride, or anyother combination of one or more semiconductor materials. In someexamples, silicon carbide switches may experience lower switching powerlosses. Improvements in magnetics and faster switching, such as GalliumNitride switches, may allow switching devices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379 todraw short bursts of current. These higher frequency switching devicesmay require control signals (e.g., voltage signals delivered by powerprocessing circuitry 322 to respective control terminals of switchingdevices 372, 374, 376, 378, 379) to be sent with more precise timing, ascompared to lower-frequency switching devices.

Processing circuitry 322 may be configured to receive an electricalsignal from leak sensor 330 which indicates that a leak is present in awater heater device (e.g., water tank 210 of FIG. 2). Processingcircuitry 322 may activate alarm device 326 in response to receiving theelectrical signal from leak sensor 330, where alarm device 326 ispowered for at least a period of time by power source 328. Processingcircuitry 322 may apply a voltage to a control terminal of fourthswitching device 378 in order to activate alarm device 326. Power source328 may have a limited amount of stored energy. As such, if alarm device326 remains in an activated state for a period of time drawing powerfrom power source 328, the energy stored by power source 328 may bedepleted unless power source 328 is recharged. Processing circuitry 322may be configured to maintain an amount of energy stored by power source328 so that the amount of energy is sufficient for power source 328 tosupply energy to alarm device 326, allowing alarm device 326 tocontinuously remain in an activated state for as long as necessary. Inorder to maintain the amount of energy stored by power source 328,processing circuitry 322 may perform one or more of the techniquesdescribed with respect to processing circuitry 122 of FIG. 1.

In some examples, although alarm device 326 is powered for at least aperiod of time by power source 328, processing circuitry 322 may bepowered by power source 325 which is separate from power source 328. Insome examples, power source 325 may be a non-rechargeable battery havinga battery life that lasts as long as a life of the water heater device.In some examples, power source 325 may supply energy to power source 328in order to charge power source 328. For example, processing circuitry322 may activate fifth switching device 379, allowing an electricalcurrent to flow from power source 325 to power source 328.

System 300 may provide advantages in water heater systems where main gasflows intended to sustain main burner operations are typically muchgreater than the smaller pilot gas flows which generate the pilot flame.System 300 may be utilized to guard against potentially large dischargesof non-combusted fuel into enclosed spaces or other environments.

Circuit 320 may be configured to receive power from thermoelectricdevice 340. Thermoelectric device 340 is a component configured toconvert thermal energy into electrical power. As illustrated,thermoelectric device 340 may provide power to main valve operator 384through electrical line 392, provide power to first power converter unit370 through electrical line 394, provide power to second power converterunit 371 through electrical line 395, or any combination thereof. Insome examples, first power converter unit 370 may forward at least aportion of the generated power to alarm device 326 through electricalline 396, forward at least a portion of the generated power to powersource 328 through electrical line 397, forward at least a portion ofthe generated power to pilot valve operator 382 through electrical line398, forward at least a portion of the generated power to ignitioncircuitry 386 through electrical line 399, or any combination thereof.It is not required for circuit 320 to include first power converter unit370. For example, thermoelectric device 340 may supply an appropriateamount of power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to circuit 320 such thatfirst power converter unit 370 is not needed to adjust the voltageand/or the current supplied by thermoelectric device 340. In someexamples, a diode is included in circuit 320 in place of first powerconverter unit 370, the diode preventing power source 320 from supplyingpower to main valve operator 384.

Power source 328 provides the capability to store some portion of theelectrical power generated by thermoelectric device 340, and alsoprovides for powering of pilot valve operator 382 when thermoelectricdevice 340 is not generating energy. For example, thermoelectric device340 may be configured to be in thermal communication with a heat sourceintended to operate intermittently, such as intermittent pilot light360, and power from thermoelectric device 340 to pilot valve operator382 may not always be available. In such cases, power source 328provides the power to electrical components of system 300. In someexamples, second power converter unit 371 may forward at least a portionof the generated power to processing circuitry 322.

In some examples not illustrated in FIG. 3 second power converter unit371 is not included and processing circuitry 322 draws power from powersource 325 without receiving power from thermoelectric device 340.Additionally, in some examples not illustrated in FIG. 3, processingcircuitry 322 may receive power from power source 328.

System 300 is configured to limit power flow from node 390 to powersource 328 to a single direction, so that while power source 328 mayreceive power from thermoelectric device 340 through node 390, powerflow cannot occur from power source 328 to any components where node 390is in the electrical path, such as main valve operator 384. In someexamples, first power converter unit 370 is a unidirectional device suchas a unidirectional DC-DC-convertor which limits power flow from node390 through electrical line 394 to a single direction. Theunidirectional flow of power from node 390 results in an arrangementwhereby, when thermoelectric device 340 is receiving thermal energy andgenerating power, thermoelectric device 340 may deliver power toprocessing circuitry 322, alarm device 326, power source 328, pilotvalve operator 382, and main valve operator 384. However, whenthermoelectric device 340 is not generating electrical power, powersource 328 may deliver power to alarm device 326, pilot valve operator382, and ignition circuitry 386, but not to main valve operator 384.System 300 is thereby configured such that main valve operator 384 canonly receive power when thermoelectric device 340 is generating power,whereas pilot valve operator 382 may receive power from thermoelectricdevice 340 (when thermoelectric device 340 is generating) or powersource 328 (when thermoelectric device 340 is not generating).

Using a unidirectional DC-DC convertor for first power converter unit370 is one example way to ensure that power source 328 does not deliverpower sufficient to activate main valve operator 384. However, theexample techniques are not so limited and other techniques to ensurethat power source 328 does not deliver sufficient power may be possible.For example, components such as diodes, switches, etc. may be used toensure that power source 328 does not provide sufficient power toactivate main valve operator 384. Also, the above approaches provideexample manners in which to ensure that main valve operator 384 receivessufficient power only from thermoelectric device 340. However, theseexamples are not intended to be exhaustive, and system 300 may utilizeany configuration which allows thermoelectric device 340 to providesufficient activation power to main valve operator 384 while preventingpower source 328 from providing the sufficient activation power.

System 300 may provide one or more advantages in an apparatus where afirst gas flow sustains a first flame generating a heat flux, and someportion of the heat flux impinges on some portion of a second gas flowin order to generate a second flame. In such devices, it may beadvantageous to ensure the first flame is operating before commencingthe second gas flow, in order to avoid discharges of non-combusted fuelinto enclosed spaces or other environments, or for other reasons. Thismay be particularly advantageous when the second gas flow issignificantly larger than the first gas flow. For example, it may beadvantageous in water heater systems where a smaller pilot gas flowsustains a pilot flame at a pilot burner, and the pilot flame is inthermal communication with a larger main gas flow to generate a flame ata main burner. In FIG. 3, main valve operator 384 only opens to allowgas flow to the main burner when electrical power (e.g., voltage andcurrent) are received from thermoelectric device 340. Thermoelectricdevice 340 may only generate the electrical power in response to thepilot flame. Hence, main valve operator 384 may not open unless thepilot flame is available. For example, when the pilot flame is dormant,thermoelectric device 340 does not generate sufficient (or any)electrical power. Since there is little to no electric power fromthermoelectric device 340, main valve operator 384 remains in a closedstate and gas flow cannot be provided to the main burner.

System 300 may be utilized in an intermittent pilot light system toeffectively ensure that a pilot flame is established prior to initiatingmain fuel flow to a main burner. Pilot valve operator 382 may beconfigured to actuate a pilot valve, and main valve operator 384 may beconfigured to actuate a main valve (e.g., main valve 214 of FIG. 2).Thermoelectric device 340 may be configured to be in thermalcommunication with a pilot flame sustained by intermittent pilot light360, such that at least some portion of a heat flux generated by thepilot flame of intermittent pilot light 360 impinges on thermoelectricdevice 340. In other words, thermoelectric device 240 of FIG. 3 is anexample thermoelectric device 240 of FIG. 2.

When main burner operation is called for in the intermittent pilot lightsystem, pilot valve operator 382 is in a state such as de-energizedwhere fuel flow through the pilot valve is secured (e.g., blocked), andthe pilot flame is dormant. With the pilot flame dormant, thermoelectricdevice 340 is generating insufficient electrical power to cause valveoperation through main valve operator 384. As previously discussed,system 300 is configured so that power source 328 may deliver power topilot valve operator 382, but not to main valve operator 384 due to theconfiguration of, e.g., first power converter unit 370, or some othercomponent or device in electrical communication with node 390. Mainvalve operator 384 can only receive power from thermoelectric device340.

System 300 may initiate establishment of the dormant pilot flame byenergizing pilot valve operator 382 using power source 328, initiating apilot gas flow to a pilot burner such as intermittent pilot light 360.Similarly, system 300 may energize ignition circuitry 386 to cause pilotspark ignitor 350 to generate thermal energy. Similar to intermittentpilot light 260 and pilot spark ignitor 250 of FIG. 2, pilot sparkignitor 350 may be in thermal communication with the pilot gas flow suchthat the pilot flame ignites intermittent pilot light 360. Additionally,or alternatively, a hot surface ignitor (not illustrated in FIG. 3) mayignite intermittent pilot light 360. With thermoelectric device 340 isin thermal communication with the established pilot flame,thermoelectric device 340 generates electrical energy from the thermalenergy of the pilot flame and provides this electrical energy to mainvalve operator 384. Main valve operator 384 actuates a main valve suchas main valve 214 (FIG. 2), providing a main fuel flow through fuel line268 (FIG. 2). The established pilot flame is in thermal communicationwith the main fuel flow and generates combustion of the main fuel flow.

Acting in this manner, system 300 may ensure that a pilot flame isestablished prior to initiating main fuel flow to a main burner.Ensuring that the pilot flame is established prior to initiating mainfuel flow to the burner avoids situations leading to discharges ofnon-combusted main fuel into surrounding environments.

Further, while main burner operation is called for and the pilot flameremains established, system 300 may be configured to allowthermoelectric device 340 to provide power to pilot valve operator 382through first power converter unit 370 and electrical line 398. System300 may also be configured to allow thermoelectric device 340 to providepower to power source 328 through first power converter unit 370 andelectrical line 397, replenishing the stored energy utilized toinitially open the pilot valve, operate alarm device 326, operateignition circuitry 386, or any combination thereof. In examples, system300 may be configured to allow thermoelectric device 340 to providepower to one or more of processing circuitry 322, ignition circuitry386, and pilot spark ignitor 350.

Additionally, system 300 may be configured such that thermoelectricdevice 340 is the sole source of power input for one or more of firstpower converter unit 370, processing circuitry 322, power source 328,pilot valve operator 382, main valve operator 384, ignition circuitry386, and pilot spark ignitor 350. This configuration may be advantageousin a water heater system where an additional source of power isunavailable due to, for example, a water heater location removed from aline power source, or some other reason.

In examples, pilot valve operator 382 may operate a pilot servo valve.The pilot servo valve may be configured to control a pressure of a fluidacting on a fluid actuated valve operator, with the fluid valve operatorisolating a fuel supply from the pilot burner. When the pilot servovalve acts to increase or decrease a pressure of the fluid, the fluidactuated valve operator may establish fluid communication between thefuel supply and the pilot burner, establishing the pilot gas flow.Similarly, in examples main valve operator 384 may operate a main servovalve. The main servo valve may be configured to control a pressure of afluid acting on a second fluid actuated valve operator, with the secondfluid valve operator isolating a fuel supply from the main burner. Whenthe main servo valve acts to increase or decrease a pressure of thefluid, the fluid actuated valve operator may establish fluidcommunication between the fuel supply and the main burner, establishinga main gas flow.

In examples when a flame such as the pilot flame is in thermalcommunication with a gas flow, or a gas flow is in thermal communicationwith a flame, this means the flame generates a heat flux and the heatflux impinges on some portion of the gas flow. In examples, the heatflux of the flame is sufficient to generate combustion within theportion of the gas flow. In examples, when the pilot spark ignitor is inthermal communication with a gas flow, this means that when the pilotspark ignitor generates an igniting energy such as a heat flux orelectrical discharge, and some portion of the igniting energy impingeson some portion of the gas flow. In examples, the igniting energy of thepilot spark ignitor is sufficient to generate combustion within theportion of the gas flow. In examples when thermoelectric device 340 isin thermal communication with a flame, the flame generates a heat fluxand some portion of the heat flux impinges on some part ofthermoelectric device 340. In examples, the heat flux of the flame issufficient to cause thermoelectric device 340 to convert some portion ofthe heat flux into electrical energy. In examples, when a temperaturesensing device is in thermal communication with a body of water, thismeans a change in the temperature of the body of water affects theoperating behavior of the temperature sensing device.

As discussed, system 300 may include processing circuitry 322.Processing circuitry 322 in some examples, may include one or moreprocessors that are configured to implement functionality and/or processinstructions for execution within system 300. For example, processingcircuitry 322 may be capable of processing instructions stored in amemory (e.g., memory 324). Processing circuitry 322 may include, forexample, microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or equivalent discrete orintegrated logic circuitry, or a combination of any of the foregoingdevices or circuitry. Accordingly, processing circuitry 322 may includeany suitable structure, whether in hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof, to perform the functions ascribed herein toprocessing circuitry 322.

Memory 324 may be configured to store information within system 300during operation. Memory 324 may include a computer-readable storagemedium or computer-readable storage device. In some examples, memory 324includes one or more of a short-term memory or a long-term memory.Memory 324 may include, for example, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, magnetic discs,optical discs, flash memories, or forms of EPROM or EEPROM. In someexamples, memory 324 is used to store program instructions for executionby processing circuitry 322. Memory 324 may be used by software orapplications running on system 300 to temporarily store informationduring program execution.

In examples, processing circuitry 322 is configured to establishelectrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valve operator382. In an example, a first switching device 372 is configured toestablish electrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valveoperator 382, and processing circuitry 322 is configured to utilizefirst switching device 372 to establish the electrical contact. In someexamples, processing circuitry 322 is configured to terminate electricalcontact between power source 328 and pilot valve operator 382. In anexample, first switching device 372 may be likewise configured toterminate electrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valveoperator 382, and processing circuitry 322 is configured to utilizefirst switching device 372 to terminate the electrical contact.

Processing circuitry 322 may be configured to establish electricalcontact between thermoelectric device 340 and main valve operator 384.In an example, a second switching device 374 is configured to establishelectrical contact between thermoelectric device 340 and main valveoperator 384, and processing circuitry 322 is configured to utilizesecond switching device 374 to establish the electrical contact. In someexamples, processing circuitry 322 is configured to terminate electricalcontact between thermoelectric device 340 and main valve operator 384.In an example, second switching device 374 is likewise configured toterminate electrical contact between thermoelectric device 340 and mainvalve operator 384, and processing circuitry 322 is configured toutilize second switching device 374 to terminate the electrical contact.

In some examples, processing circuitry 322 is configured to establishelectrical contact between first power converter unit 370 and powersource 328. In an example, a third switching device 376 is configured toestablish electrical contact between first power converter unit 370 andpower source 328, and processing circuitry 322 is configured to utilizethird switching device 376 to establish the electrical contact.Processing circuitry 322 may be configured to terminate electricalcontact between first power converter unit 370 and power source 328. Inan example, third switching device 376 is likewise configured toterminate electrical contact between first power converter unit 370 andpower source 328, and processing circuitry 322 is configured to utilizethird switching device 376 to terminate the electrical contact. In someexamples, processing circuitry 322 may turn on third switching device376 in order to charge one or more elements of power system 323 (e.g.,charge power source 328).

In an example, processing circuitry 322 is configured establishelectrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valve operator 382and establish electrical contact between thermoelectric device 340 andmain valve operator 384. In some examples, processing circuitry 322 usesfirst switching device 372 and third switching device 376 to establishthe electrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valve operator382. Processing circuitry 322 may use second switching device 374 toestablish the electrical contact between thermoelectric device 340 andmain valve operator 384. Processing circuitry 322 may be configured toprompt ignition circuitry 386 to cause pilot spark ignitor 350 togenerate an igniting energy, such as an electrical discharge. In someexamples, processing circuitry 322 may be in data communication with atemperature sensor such as temperature sensing device 216 (FIG. 2), andtemperature sensing device 216 may be configured to transmit temperaturedata to processing circuitry 322.

In an example, processing circuitry 322 is similarly programmed toterminate electrical contact between power source 328 and pilot valveoperator 382 and terminate electrical contact between thermoelectricdevice 340 and main valve operator 384. Processing circuitry 322 may beconfigured to alert ignition circuitry 386 to cease causing pilot sparkignitor 350 to generate igniting energy.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation foractivating an alarm, in accordance with one or more techniques of thisdisclosure. For convenience, FIG. 4 is described with respect to system100, system 200, and system 300 of FIGS. 1-3. However, the techniques ofFIG. 4 may be performed by different components of system 100, system200, and system 300 or by additional or alternative systems and devices.

In some examples, circuit 120 of water heater control system 100activates an alarm (e.g., alarm device 126) after sensing a leak in awater heater device using leak sensor 130. For example, circuit 120includes processing circuitry 122 which may monitor leak sensor 130(402). In some examples, processing circuitry 122 monitors leak sensor130 based on an electrical signal received from leak sensor 130. Forexample, processing circuitry 122 may determine whether processingcircuitry 122 is receiving a leak signal (404) from leak sensor 130. Insome examples, the “leak signal” is represented by an electrical signalthat processing circuitry 122 may identify as being indicative of a leakin the water heater system. In some examples, leak sensor 130 does notoutput an electrical signal when a leak is not present in the waterheater system. In some examples, leak sensor 130 outputs a firstelectrical signal when leak sensor 130 does not detect a leak in thewater heater system and leak sensor outputs a second electrical signalwhen leak sensor 130 detects a leak in the water heater system. Amagnitude of the second electrical signal may be different than amagnitude of first electrical signal, where processing circuitry 122 isconfigured to determine respective magnitudes of the first electricalsignal and the second electrical signal. Based on the respectivemagnitudes, processing circuitry 122 may determine that the secondelectrical signal is the “leak signal.” In some examples, processingcircuitry 122 may determine that processing circuitry 122 is receiving aleak signal if a magnitude of an electrical signal emitted by leaksensor 130 is greater than a threshold magnitude value.

If processing circuitry 122 determines that processing circuitry 122 isnot receiving a leak signal (“NO” branch of block 404), the exampleoperation returns to block 202 and processing circuitry 122 monitorsleak sensor 130. If processing circuitry 122 determines that processingcircuitry 122 is receiving a leak signal (“YES” branch of block 404),processing circuitry 122 determines whether alarm device 126 isactivated (406). In some examples, to determine whether alarm device 126is activated, processing circuitry 122 determine whether processingcircuitry 122 is activating a switching device (e.g., switching device378 of FIG. 3) that controls an electric current through alarm device126. If processing circuitry 122 determines that alarm device 126 isactivated (“YES” branch of block 406), the example operation returns toblock 402 and processing circuitry 122 monitors leak sensor 130. Ifprocessing circuitry 122 determines that alarm device 126 is notactivated, processing circuitry 122 activates alarm device 126 (408). Inorder to activate alarm device 126, processing circuitry 122 may apply avoltage to a gate terminal of the switching device (e.g., switchingdevice 378) which controls an electric current through alarm device 126.By applying the voltage to the gate terminal of the switching device,processing circuitry 122 may allow electric current to flow throughalarm device 126, thus “activating” alarm device 126. In some examples,alarm device 126 emits a continuous audio signal when alarm device 126is activated. In some examples, alarm device 126 emits a periodicallyrepeating pattern of audio signals when alarm device 126 is activated.Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, alarm device 126 emitsother types of signals when alarm device 126 is activated includingoptical signals, electrical signals, mechanical signals, or anycombination thereof.

Processing circuitry 122 maintains an amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128, which supplies energy to alarm device 126 (410). Forexample, when alarm device 126 is activated, power source(s) 128supplies power to alarm device 126, thus decreasing an amount of energystored by power source(s) 128. Unless power source(s) 128 is recharged,alarm device 126 may deplete the energy stored by power source(s) 128such that power source(s) 128 is no longer able to cause alarm device126 to emit an alarm signal (e.g., a noise). One or more techniques ofthis disclosure may allow processing circuitry 122 to maintain theamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128. For example, processingcircuitry 122 may ignite intermittent pilot light 160 which in turncauses thermoelectric device 140 to generate an electrical signal thatcharges power source(s) 128 and/or supplies energy to alarm device 126.In some examples, processing circuitry 122 may deactivate alarm device126 in response to receiving a message (412) instructing processingcircuitry 122 to deactivate alarm device 126. The message, in somecases, may be received via communication circuitry 129.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation for chargingpower source(s) 128 using intermittent pilot light 160, in accordancewith one or more techniques of this disclosure. For convenience, FIG. 5is described with respect to system 100, system 200, and system 300 ofFIGS. 1-3. However, the techniques of FIG. 5 may be performed bydifferent components of system 100, system 200, and system 300 or byadditional or alternative systems and devices. The example operation ofFIG. 5 may, in some cases, represent an example operation of block 410of FIG. 4 (e.g., “maintain an amount of energy stored by power source(s)128 which supplies energy to alarm device 126”).

In the example operation of FIG. 5, processing circuitry 122 measures anamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 (502). In some examples,to measure the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128, powersource(s) 128 may determine an amount of time that power source(s) 128would be able to output a particular amount of power. For example, onekilowatt hour (kW·h) represents an output of one kilowatt of power for aperiod of one hour. Processing circuitry 122 determines whether theamount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 is less than a firstthreshold amount of energy (504). In some examples, the first thresholdamount of energy represents a fraction of a maximum amount of energythat power source(s) 128 is configured to store. When processingcircuitry 122 determines whether the amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128 is less than the first threshold amount of energy,processing circuitry 122 may determine whether it is beneficial tocharge power source(s) 128 so that power source(s) 128 may provide asufficient amount of power to alarm device 126 so that alarm device 126may remain in a continuously activated state. If the amount of energy isless than the first threshold amount of energy (“YES” branch of block504), processing circuitry 122 determines whether intermittent pilotlight 160 is ignited (506). When intermittent pilot light 160 isignited, thermoelectric device 140 generates electrical energy whichcharges power source(s) 128, increasing the amount of energy stored bypower source(s) 128.

If intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited (“YES” branch of block 506),the example operation returns to block 502 and processing circuitry 122measures an amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128. Ifintermittent pilot light 160 is not ignited (“NO” branch of block 506),processing circuitry 122 ignites intermittent pilot light 160 (508). Insome examples, processing circuitry 122 may activate a switching device(e.g., first switching device 372 of FIG. 3), allowing current to flowthrough a pilot valve operator (e.g., pilot valve operator 382).Additionally, processing circuitry 122 outputs an electrical signal toignition circuitry (e.g., ignition circuitry 386). In turn, the ignitioncircuitry may output an electrical signal to pilot spark ignitor 150.Pilot spark ignitor 150 may generate one or more sparks which igniteintermittent pilot light 160. Processing circuitry 122, in someexamples, may be powered by power source 125 which is separate frompower source(s) 128. Additionally, or alternatively, processingcircuitry may be directly powered by thermopile 140 via a powerconverter (e.g., second power converter unit 371. After processingcircuitry 122 ignites intermittent pilot light 160, the exampleoperation returns to block 502.

If the amount of energy is not less than the first threshold amount ofenergy (“NO” branch of block 504), processing circuitry 122 maydetermine whether the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 isgreater than a second threshold amount of energy (510). In someexamples, the second threshold amount of energy is equal to the firstthreshold amount of energy. In some examples, the second thresholdamount of energy is greater than the first threshold amount of energyand the second threshold amount of energy represents a fraction of amaximum amount of energy that power source(s) 128 is configured tostore. In some examples, the second threshold amount of energy issubstantially the maximum amount of energy that power source(s) 128 isconfigured to store. By determining whether the amount of energy storedby power source(s) 128 is greater than the second threshold amount ofenergy, processing circuitry 122 may determine whether power source(s)128 is storing enough energy for intermittent pilot light 160 to bedeactivated, or “extinguished,” such that thermoelectric device 140 doesnot generate an electrical signal. If processing circuitry 122determines that the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128 isnot greater than the second threshold amount of energy (“NO” branch ofblock 510), the example operation returns to block 502 and processingcircuitry 122 measures an amount of energy stored by power source(s)128. If processing circuitry 122 determines that the amount of energystored by power source(s) 128 is greater than the second thresholdamount of energy (“YES” branch of block 510), processing circuitry 122may determine whether intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited (512).

If processing circuitry 122 determines that intermittent pilot light 160is not ignited (“NO” branch of block 512), the example operation returnsto block 502 and processing circuitry 122 measures an amount of energystored by power source(s) 128. If processing circuitry 122 determinesthat intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited (“YES” branch of block512), processing circuitry 122 may, in some cases, extinguishintermittent pilot light 160 (512). However, in other cases, processingcircuitry 122 may allow intermittent pilot light 160 to extinguish byitself or allow intermittent pilot light 160 to remain ignited. In anycase, the example operation returns to block 502 and processingcircuitry 122 measures an amount of energy stored by power source(s)128.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example operation for chargingone or more power sources of an energy storage system using intermittentpilot light 160, in accordance with one or more techniques of thisdisclosure. For convenience, FIG. 6 is described with respect to system100, system 200, and system 300 of FIGS. 1-3. However, the techniques ofFIG. 6 may be performed by different components of system 100, system200, and system 300 or by additional or alternative systems and devices.The example operation of FIG. 6 may, in some cases, represent an exampleoperation of block 410 of FIG. 4 (e.g., “maintain an amount of energystored by power source(s) 128 which supplies energy to alarm device126”).

Processing circuitry 122 is configured to monitor leak sensor 130 (602).In some examples, processing circuitry 122 monitors leak sensor 130based on an electrical signal received from leak sensor 130. Forexample, processing circuitry 122 may determine whether processingcircuitry 122 is receiving a leak signal (604) from leak sensor 130. Insome examples, the “leak signal” is represented by an electrical signalthat processing circuitry 122 may identify as being indicative of a leakin the water heater system. In some examples, leak sensor 130 does notoutput an electrical signal when a leak is not present in the waterheater system. In some examples, leak sensor 130 outputs a firstelectrical signal when leak sensor 130 does not detect a leak in thewater heater system and leak sensor outputs a second electrical signalwhen leak sensor 130 detects a leak in the water heater system. Amagnitude of the second electrical signal may be different than amagnitude of first electrical signal, where processing circuitry 122 isconfigured to determine respective magnitudes of the first electricalsignal and the second electrical signal. Based on the respectivemagnitudes, processing circuitry 122 may determine that the secondelectrical signal is the “leak signal.” In some examples, processingcircuitry 122 may determine that processing circuitry 122 is receiving aleak signal if a magnitude of an electrical signal emitted by leaksensor 130 is greater than a threshold magnitude value.

If processing circuitry 122 determines that processing circuitry 122 isnot receiving the leak signal (“NO” branch of block 604), the exampleoperation returns to block 602 and processing circuitry 122 monitorsleak sensor 130. If processing circuitry 122 determines that processingcircuitry 122 is receiving the leak signal (“YES” branch of block 604),processing circuitry 122 determines whether intermittent pilot light 160is ignited (606). When intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited,thermoelectric device 140 generates electrical energy which chargespower source(s) 128, increasing the amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128. If intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited (“YES” branchof block 506), the example operation returns to block 602 and processingcircuitry 122 monitors leak sensor 130. If intermittent pilot light 160is not ignited (“NO” branch of block 606), processing circuitry 122ignites intermittent pilot light 160 (608) and the example operationreturns to block 602. If intermittent pilot light 160 is ignited (“YES”branch of block 606), processing circuitry 122 measures an amount ofenergy stored by power source(s) 128 (610). In some examples, to measurethe amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128, power source(s) 128may determine an amount of time that power source(s) 128 would be ableto output a particular amount of power. For example, one kilowatt hour(kW·h) represents an output of one kilowatt of power for a period of onehour.

Processing circuitry determines if the amount of energy stored by powersource(s) 128 is greater than a threshold amount of energy (612). Bydetermining whether the amount of energy stored by power source(s) 128is greater than the threshold amount of energy, processing circuitry 122may determine whether power source(s) 128 is storing enough energy forintermittent pilot light 160 to be deactivated, or “extinguished,” suchthat thermoelectric device 140 does not generate an electrical signal.If processing circuitry 122 determines that the amount of energy storedby power source(s) 128 is not greater than the threshold amount ofenergy (“NO” branch of block 612), the example operation returns toblock 602 and processing circuitry 122 monitors leak sensor 130. Ifprocessing circuitry 122 determines that the amount of energy stored bypower source(s) 128 is greater than the threshold amount of energy(“YES” branch of block 612), processing circuitry 122 may, in somecases, extinguish intermittent pilot light 160 (614). In some suchcases, processing circuitry 122 may maintain intermittent pilot light160 in a deactivated state for a predetermined period of time, even ifprocessing circuitry 122 senses the leak signal.

In one or more examples, the systems described herein may utilizehardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof for achievingthe functions described. Those functions implemented in software may bestored on or transmitted over, as one or more instructions or code, acomputer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processingunit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storagemedia, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storagemedia, or communication media including any medium that facilitatestransfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g.,according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readablemedia generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storagemedia which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as asignal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available mediathat can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processorsto retrieve instructions, code and/or data structures for implementationof the techniques described in this disclosure.

Instructions may be executed by one or more processors within theaccelerometer or communicatively coupled to the accelerometer. The oneor more processors may, for example, include one or more DSPs, generalpurpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits ASICs,FPGAs, or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry.Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any ofthe foregoing structure or any other structure suitable forimplementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in somerespects, the functionality described herein may be provided withindedicated hardware and/or software modules configured for performing thetechniques described herein. Also, the techniques could be fullyimplemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide varietyof devices or apparatuses that include integrated circuits (ICs) or setsof ICs (e.g., chip sets). Various components, modules, or units aredescribed in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devicesconfigured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarilyrequire realization by different hardware units. Rather, various unitsmay be combined or provided by a collection of interoperative hardwareunits, including one or more processors as described above, inconjunction with suitable software and/or firmware.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water heater device comprising: a leak sensor;an intermittent pilot light; and a circuit comprising processingcircuitry configured to: receive, from the leak sensor, an electricalsignal including information indicative of a leak in the water heaterdevice; activate, based on receiving the electrical signal, an alarmdevice, wherein the alarm device is configured to draw power for atleast a period of time from a power source storing an amount of energy,wherein the power source is configured to receive energy from athermoelectric device in proximity to the intermittent pilot light;ignite, based on receiving the electrical signal, the intermittent pilotlight, wherein igniting the intermittent pilot light causes anelectrical current to flow from the thermoelectric device through thepower source, thus increasing the amount of energy stored by the powersource so that the amount of energy stored by the power source issufficient for the power source to supply energy to the alarm device;and maintain the intermittent pilot light in a continuously ignitedstate when the processing circuitry receives the electrical signal. 2.The water heater device of claim 1, wherein to ignite the intermittentpilot light based on receiving the electrical signal and based on thealarm device drawing power from the power source, the processingcircuitry is configured to: monitor the amount of energy stored by thepower source to determine if the amount of energy stored by the powersource is greater than a threshold amount of energy; and ignite, basedon the amount of energy stored by the power source falling below thethreshold amount of energy, the intermittent pilot light, causing thethermoelectric device to supply the electrical current to the powersource to increase the amount of energy stored by the power source. 3.The water heater device of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry isfurther configured to maintain the intermittent pilot light in thecontinuously ignited state at least until the amount of energy stored bythe power source rises above the threshold amount of energy.
 4. Thewater heater device of claim 1, wherein to ignite the intermittent pilotlight, the processing circuitry is configured to: output an instructionto an ignition circuit to cause the ignition circuit to generate one ormore sparks which ignite the intermittent pilot light.
 5. The waterheater device of claim 1, wherein the period of time is a first periodof time, and wherein the alarm device is powered for at least a secondperiod of time by the energy from the thermoelectric device.
 6. Thewater heater device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry isfurther configured to: output, via communication circuitry, a messageincluding the information indicative of the leak in the water heaterdevice to one or more remote devices, wherein the communicationcircuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or moreremote devices.
 7. The water heater device of claim 6, wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to: receive, via thecommunication circuitry, a message including an instruction to ignorethe information indicative of the leak in the water heater device;deactivate, in response to receiving the message including theinstruction to ignore the information indicative of the leak in thewater heater device, the alarm device; and maintain the alarm device ina continuously deactivated state for at least a predetermined amount oftime.
 8. The water heater device of claim 1, wherein the communicationcircuitry comprises one or both of Wi-Fi® circuitry and a Bluetooth®radio, and wherein the communication circuitry is configured tocommunicate according to one or more Bluetooth® communication protocolsand one or more Wi-Fi® protocols.
 9. The water heater device of claim 1,wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: control amain burner to maintain a temperature of water in a water tank at apredetermined temperature value, wherein to control the main burner, theprocessing circuitry is configured to: ignite, based on a watertemperature model stored by a memory in communication with theprocessing circuitry, the pilot light in order to toggle the main burnerbetween an activated state and a deactivated state.
 10. A method forcomprising: receiving, by a circuit, an electrical signal from a leaksensor, the electrical signal including information indicative of a leakin a water heater device; activating, by the circuit and based onreceiving the electrical signal, an alarm device, wherein the alarmdevice is configured to draw power for at least a period of time from apower source storing an amount of energy, wherein the power source isconfigured to receive energy from a thermoelectric device in proximityto an intermittent pilot light; igniting, by the circuit based onreceiving the electrical signal, the intermittent pilot light, whereinigniting the intermittent pilot light causes an electrical current toflow from the thermoelectric device through the power source, thusincreasing the amount of energy stored by the power source so that theamount of energy stored by the power source is sufficient for the powersource to supply energy to the alarm device; and maintaining, by thecircuit, the intermittent pilot light in a continuously ignited statewhen the processing circuitry receives the electrical signal.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein igniting the intermittent pilot light basedon receiving the electrical signal comprises: monitoring the amount ofenergy stored by the power source to determine if the amount of energystored by the power source is greater than a threshold amount of energy;and igniting, based on the amount of energy stored by the power sourcefalling below the threshold amount of energy, the intermittent pilotlight, causing the thermoelectric device to supply the electricalcurrent to the power source to increase the amount of energy stored bythe power source.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method furthercomprises maintaining the intermittent pilot light in the continuouslyignited state at least until the amount of energy stored by the powersource rises above the threshold amount of energy.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the period of time is a first period of time, andwherein the alarm device is powered for at least a second period of timeby the energy from the thermoelectric device.
 14. The method of claim10, wherein method further comprises outputting, via communicationcircuitry, a message including the information indicative of the leak inthe water heater device to one or more remote devices, wherein thecommunication circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with theone or more remote devices.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein themethod further comprises: receiving, via the communication circuitry, amessage including an instruction to ignore the information indicative ofthe leak in the water heater device; deactivating, in response toreceiving the message including the instruction to ignore theinformation indicative of the leak in the water heater device, the alarmdevice; and maintaining the alarm device in a continuously deactivatedstate for at least a predetermined amount of time.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein method further comprises: controlling a main burner tomaintain a temperature of water in a water tank at a predeterminedtemperature value, wherein controlling the main burner comprises:igniting, based on a water temperature model stored by a memory incommunication with the processing circuitry, the pilot light in order totoggle the main burner between an activated state and a deactivatedstate.